simply even

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "simply even" is not a standard expression in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to emphasize a straightforward or uncomplicated comparison, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "The results were simply even, with no clear winner in the competition."

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Long builds that behave like crescendos simply even out and remain suspended, drones that never deliver an easy payoff.

The New Yorker

A system comprising components with very different characteristics, a coupled wall structure, is used to demonstrate how displacement and ductility capacities, satisfying specific performance criteria, can be predicted simply, even before the required seismic strength of the system is established.

Engineering Structures

Put simply, even if they are not the target of the pass, their speed sets defenses back on their heels and leaves the middle open for Chrebet.

The New York Times - Sports

In their view, the series was simply even: Arizona won Games 1 and 2 at its place; the Yankees won Games 3 and 4 at theirs.

The New York Times - Sports

Put simply, even if a given statute fails to impose an undue burden on a woman's ability to choose to have an abortion, the law should fail if its purpose was to do so.

Harvard University

Ms. Elfers, who arrives at work at 6 a.m., may be doing things right because she is doing them simply, even if the numbers do not bear her out.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

One reason is that the consolidation was a defensive move that simply evened the score with the newly powerful retail chains.

Forbes

And yet it simply gets even better.

The Guardian - Music

Rather, it seems that many marinas simply break even.

The New York Times

In other words, it's not simply or even mainly amnesia.

University of California, Berkeley

Of course, a zero-centered symmetric signal is simply an even signal, by definition.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "simply even" with more common and stylistically sound alternatives like "just as well" or "equally so" for improved clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "simply even" in formal or academic writing. Its informal tone can detract from the overall credibility of your work. Opt for more precise and sophisticated alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply even" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, aiming to emphasize the straightforward or uncomplicated nature of a situation. This is visible in Ludwig examples, which use the phrase to describe basic comparisons or minimal impacts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

24%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "simply even" is used to describe basic equality or a lack of notable difference. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatically acceptable, it's not a common or stylistically preferred expression. It appears in a mix of news, academic, and informal sources, with "just as well" and "equally so" offered as potential alternatives. While understandable, replacing "simply even" with more common phrases is advisable for enhanced clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just as well

Indicates a situation where something is equally good or acceptable, differing slightly from "simply even" in conveying a sense of positive outcome.

equally so

Indicates that something is the same in degree or manner, similar to "simply even" but places more emphasis on equivalence.

plainly just

Implies fairness or straightforwardness, adding a moral dimension not present in "simply even".

clearly also

Indicates obviousness and inclusion, differing from "simply even" in its focus on clarity and addition.

merely also

Highlights the minimal or limited nature of something, adding a sense of restriction absent in "simply even".

purely so

Emphasizes the unmixed or exclusive nature of something, distinct from the comparative aspect of "simply even".

just the same

Expresses a lack of difference or change, providing a sense of indifference or acceptance not found in "simply even".

exactly that

Indicates precision and agreement, adding a level of specificity not present in "simply even".

absolutely also

Adds emphasis and certainty, contrasting with the relatively neutral tone of "simply even".

unquestionably also

Indicates something is beyond doubt or dispute, highlighting a sense of certainty that is not present in "simply even".

FAQs

How can I use "simply even" in a sentence?

While not a standard phrase, "simply even" can be used to suggest a straightforward or uncomplicated comparison, such as: "The results were "simply even", with no clear winner".

What are some alternatives to "simply even"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "just as well", "equally so", or "merely also".

Is "simply even" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, "simply even" is not the most common or stylistically elegant phrasing. It's generally understandable, but there are often better alternatives.

What's the difference between "simply even" and "just even"?

"Simply even" suggests a basic, uncomplicated equality, while "just even" might imply a sense of fairness or balance. However, both phrases are somewhat unusual and could often be replaced with clearer alternatives.